Association of asthma with use of pesticides. Results of a cross-sectional survey of farmers

Am Rev Respir Dis. 1992 Oct;146(4):884-7. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm/146.4.884.

Abstract

We investigated the association of self-reported asthma and pesticide use in 1,939 male farmers. Regardless of age, smoking pack-years, and nasal allergic reactions, the prevalence of asthma was significantly associated with the use of carbamate insecticides (prevalence odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 3.1, p = 0.02). Self-reported asthmatics, in comparison with nonasthmatics, had significantly lower mean values for lung function test variables after adjusting for age and height and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. These findings raise the possibility that exposure to agriculture chemicals could be related to lung dysfunction in exposed farmers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology
  • Asthma / chemically induced*
  • Asthma / epidemiology
  • Carbamates*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Herbicides / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Insecticides / adverse effects*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Saskatchewan / epidemiology
  • Smoking / epidemiology

Substances

  • Carbamates
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides